1. Kopp’s
BRIANNA SCHUBERT, DIGITAL EDITOR
I don’t recall the first time I ever went to Kopps, but I do recall driving past the one on 76th and Layton a million times as a kid. The strange architecture always made my child mind wonder, what is this place, what is inside? I recall a time in college going there and losing it over the inside – the machine-like way everything works, the spinning countertop and the strange matching uniforms that feel almost dystopian. It’s an experience. One accented with custard, of course. I love the fun flavors, but I often go for a simple vanilla. Can’t go wrong. 7631 W. Layton Ave., Greenfield; 18880 W. Bluemound Rd., Brookfield; 5373 N. Port Washington Rd., Glendale
2. Oscar’s
ARCHER PARQUETTE, MANAGING EDITOR
I like to think of myself as a grown man – but when you get me a near a waffle cone, I must admit, that changes. The enthusiastic little chubby-cheeked kid in me almost immediately takes over for the equally chubby-cheeked but much sadder adult and absolutely goes to town on that thing. And dang, I love me a good waffle cone from Oscar’s, ideally paired with one of their cheeseburgers. I’ll enjoy a good flavor of the day custard like Tiramisu, but I’m usually a vanilla guy. (I have to admit I have never liked chocolate custard or ice cream. I’m not even sure why. It just tastes … incorrect? Anyway.) 2362 S. 108th St.; 7041 S. 27th St. Franklin
3. Pop’s
MEGAN GUZMAN, CIRCULATION AND MARKETING MANAGER
My stomach and custard are no longer on speaking terms, but if I could get that power back, I would head to Pop’s Custard in Menomonee Falls. Stopping at Pop’s for a treat after a stroll through nearby Lime Kiln Park is the perfect way to top off the afternoon or evening. They serve yummy food too and have a walk-up window in the warmer months to take your order while you are outside. N87 W16459 Appleton Ave., Menomonee Falls
Tell us who you’d pick to be a Betty this year!
4. Leon’s
CAROLE NICKSIN, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF AND PUBLISHER
Not only is the place itself more authentic, but the flavor of the custard is more intense. 3131 S. 27th St.
5. Gilles
CHRIS DROSNER, EXECUTIVE EDITOR
The most honest answer here is “Whichever of the old-school places is closest to me” – in my case, the excellent Gilles’ in Wauwatosa. (Bonus shout-out for their excellent burgers.) I love Leon’s and Kopp’s, but I just don’t need to drive that far out of the way for what I see as only marginally better custard. 7515 W. Bluemound Rd.
